In November, the FDA cut the ribbon to a calorie labeling initiative that would incite nationwide awareness of nutritional standards for packaged foods and beverages. Within the next year, U.S. consumers will see a more transparent FDA system, including what they eat away from home. In fact, Americans eat and drink about one-third of their daily calorie intake outside their own kitchen. In an effort to combat obesity, the FDA will now regulate calorie labeling in convenience stores, bakeries, coffee shops, pizza delivery, amusement parks and vending machines – to name a few.
While the motion effects retail food restaurant chains, it also touches vending machines and convenience stores. This movement has propelled the foundation born from the 1990 Nutrition Labeling and Education Act. In general, operators who own or operate 20 or more vending machines will be required to disclose calorie information for food sold from vending machines, as will major convenience stores.